The Paektu Secret Camp is a historical site in North Korea, located in the Samjiyon district. It is reputed to be one of the revolutionary sites where Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, and his partisans based their operations against the Japanese occupation during the early 20th century. It is also portrayed as the birthplace of Kim Jong-il, although international sources dispute this claim.
The Paektu Secret Camp is significant in North Korea for its symbolic role in the country's official history and revolutionary mythology. It epitomizes the anti-Japanese struggle and the Kim family's heroism as central to North Korean identity. It is promoted by the government as a site of pilgrimage for North Koreans to pay homage to their leaders' origins and revolutionary spirit.
Yes, tourists can visit Paektu Secret Camp, but travel to North Korea is highly regulated. Tourists must join organized tours by approved agencies and are always accompanied by guides. Access to the site is subject to government approval and is often part of a state-sanctioned itinerary for foreign visitors.
Tourists visiting Paektu Secret Camp can expect to see a range of historical and commemorative exhibits including reconstructed log cabins purported to have been used by the anti-Japanese partisans, statues, monuments, and displays dedicated to the revolutionary activities of Kim Il-sung and his followers. The narrative provided during the tour will be consistent with the North Korean government's official history.
Tourists can reach Paektu Secret Camp typically by road or sometimes by air travel to Samjiyon’s small airport, from where a further journey is made to the site. It is a remote location, and the journey may involve long hours of travel on mountainous terrain, often in a vehicle provided by the tour agency.
The best time to visit Paektu Secret Camp is generally during the North Korean summer, from June to August, when the weather is warmest and roads are most accessible. Winters can be harsh with heavy snow, making travel challenging.
Tourists should respect local customs and regulations, which include mandatory respects such as bowing at statues and monuments, refraining from taking unapproved photographs, and following the guidance of local tour supervisors. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for an experience that is as much about political education and propaganda as it is about tourism.
Photography is typically allowed at designated spots in Paektu Secret Camp, but there can be restrictions on the use of cameras and the types of photos permitted. Tourists need to follow the guidance of their North Korean guides regarding photography.
There are accommodations designed to host tourists in Samjiyon, which is the gateway town to Paektu Secret Camp. Facilities can range from basic to comfortable, but tourists should manage their expectations, given that the amenities are often simple and the area is remote.
Since all tourism to North Korea is conducted through official tours, the cost of visiting Paektu Secret Camp is usually included as part of the tour package price. Tourists should confirm with their travel agency for specific details regarding fees and what is included in the overall cost.
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